Sikh Gurudwara, Gurudwara, Sikh Temple, Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh Holy Book, Sikh Holy Place, Sikh Place of Worship, Sikh Prayer Place, Doorway to Guru +91-9910007940, 9810007940 Sikh Gurudwara A Gurdwara meaning "the doorway to the Guru", is the Sikh place of worship and may be referred to as a Sikh temple. People of all religious backgrounds or of no religious faith are welcomed into a Sikh Gurdwara. However, it is necessary that any visitors remove their shoes and cover their head with a Hankerchief/Scarf/rumal before entering a gurudwara. Visitors are also forbidden to go into the gurdwara while they are inebriated or possess alcohol, cigarettes or any intoxicating substance. Customs and etiquette : Devotees will sit cross-legged on the floor and must never point their feet towards the holy Guru granth Sahib. All those who enter the hall must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering.

On entering the hall, devotees walk slowly and respectfully to the main throne on which the Guru Granth Sahib rests. Devotees then stand before the Holy Scriptures, often say a silent prayer, offer a donation (if able), then bow humbly. These manners and practices, though seemingly ritualistic in modern times are actually a well preserved extension of the ancient Punjabi practice of respect (for elders, ruling or religious persons). On first entering the large prayer room (called the Darbar Sahib), a small bow to the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) shows respect to the 'Guru'. It is normal to sit cross-legged in a yoga style. Visitors will be offered Kara Parshad (sweet flour and oil based food offered as prashad) in the worship hall, which is usually given into the cupped hands of a visitor. You may be offered Langar (vegetarian food from the communal kitchen). When in the Langar Hall, it is better to ask for less rather than take too much and waste the food. If you require more later, just wait for the Sewadar to come around, also remember all food in the Langar is vegetarian, so don't ask for meat!

Pursuing salvation : Guru Nanak's teachings are founded not on a final destination of heaven or hell, but on a spiritual union with God which results in salvation. The chief obstacles to the attainment of salvation are social conflicts and an attachment to worldly pursuits, which commit men and women to an endless cycle of birth ï¿½ a concept known as reincarnation. Mayaï¿½defined as illusion or "unreality"ï¿½is one of the core deviations from the pursuit of God and salvation: people are distracted from devotion by worldly attractions which give only illusive satisfaction. However, Nanak emphasised maya as not a reference to the unreality of the world, but of its values. In Sikhism, the influences of ego, anger, greed, attachment and lustï¿½known as the Five Evilsï¿½are believed to be particularly pernicious. The fate of people vulnerable to the Five Evils is separation from God, and the situation may be remedied only after intensive and relentless devotion. Nanak described God's revelationï¿½the path to salvationï¿½with terms such as nam (the divine Name) and sabad (the divine Word) to emphasise the totality of the revelation.

Nanak designated the word guru (meaning teacher) as the voice of God and the source and guide for knowledge and salvation. Salvation can be reached only through rigorous and disciplined devotion to God. Nanak distinctly emphasised the irrelevance of outwardly observations such as rites, pilgrimages or asceticism. He stressed that devotion must take place through the heart, with the spirit and the soul. A key practice to be pursued is nam simran: remembrance of the divine Name. The verbal repetition of the name of God or a sacred syllable is an established practice in religious traditions in India, but Nanak's interpretation emphasised inward, personal observance. Nanak's ideal is the total exposure of one's being to the divine Name and a total conforming to Dharma or the "Divine Order". Nanak described the result of the disciplined application of nam simran as a "growing towards and into God" through a gradual process of five stages. The last of these is sac khand (The Realm of Truth)ï¿½the final union of the spirit with God.

Nanak stressed kirat karo: that a Sikh should balance work, worship, and charity, and should defend the rights of all creatures, and in particular, fellow human beings. They are encouraged to have a chardi kala, or optimistic, view of life. Sikh teachings also stress the concept of sharingï¿½vand chakkoï¿½through the distribution of free food at Sikh gurdwaras (langar), giving charitable donations, and working for the betterment of the community and others (seva). Sikhism: 5 Things To Know About The Sikh Religion | The Huffington Post Sikhism: 5 Things To Know About The Sikh Religion 08/05/2012 03:34 pm ET | Updated Aug 06, 2012 3.5k Jahnabi Barooah Assistant Editor, Religion In light of the tragic shooting at the Wisconsin Sikh Temple , HuffPost Religion offers this brief introduction to Sikhism in hopes of increasing understanding and appreciations for this great world religion. Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world with a population of upwards of 30 million worldwide.

There are an estimated 250,000 Sikhs in the United States having first arrived in the late 19th century. Below are five basic facts about Sikhism: 1. Belief: Sikhism is a monotheistic religion, and the basic Sikh belief is represented in the phrase Ik Onkar meaning "One God." 2. History: Sikhism was founded in the Punjab region in India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev. Sikhism broke from Hinduism due, in part, to its rejection of the caste system. 3. Scripture: The primary source of Scripture for Sikhs is the Guru Granth Sahib, regarded as the living Guru, after the final Guru in human form, Guru Gobind Singh, passed away. 4. Place of worship: A Sikh place of worship is known as the gurdwara. The word gurdwara means "doorway to God." Men and women normally sit apart in the gurdwara. Traditionally there is no official clergy within the Sikh tradition. Over time however, priests have become more commonplace. Many gurdwaras employ priests to conduct services, while many others are run entirely by members of the local congregation.

5. The Five Ks: The Five Ks are the articles of faith that Sikhs wear as ordered by the 10th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. Most Sikhs wear one or more of the articles but only Sikhs who have taken amrit, a ritual analogous to baptism, wear all. They include: Kesh, or unshorn long hair, which is protected by a dastaar, or turban. The dastaar is worn by men and some women to cover their long hair. But most women keep their hair long and uncovered, except for when entering a gurdwara. A kangha is a small wooden comb meant to keep the hair combed twice a day. A kara is an iron bangle to be worn on the hand used most. A kachera is a specific undergarment for men and women. A kirpan is a short dagger. Reactions to the shooting at the Wisconsin Sikh Temple Wisconsin Shooting Definition of Gurdwara - Guru's Gateway Gurdwara is a compound word composed of several elements: Guru meaning enlightener, or the guide from darkness into light. Dwara or duaar meaning doorway, gateway, or portal.

Dua meaning blessings, or benediction. In Sikhism the word gurdwara refers to the Sikh place of worship. The gurdwara houses the Guru Granth Sahib , which is Sikhism' sacred scripture, and everlasting guru of the Sikhs. At the gurdwara worship service, divine instruction offering the means to enlightenment is conveyed through kirtan , the hymns of Gurbani that are sung from Guru Granth Sahib during services. Thus whoever comes to the gurdwara to worship enters the spiritual portal of the guru's door, or the gateway of the guide to enlightenment. A variety of spiritually oriented activities and events may take place at the gurdwara . All gurdwaras have a free kitchen where all who visit are welcome to partake of guru ka langar , a sacred meal that is prepared by volunteers immersed in prayer and meditation. Everyone regardless of gender, rank, race, or religion is welcome to worship with Sikhs at any gurdwara. Deeper Spiritual Significance of Gurdwara: The greatest significance of the word gurdwara is found in its spiritual context.

The soul accesses a divine portal capable of transporting it from the subconscious state of spiritual ignorance to the elevated consciousness of self realization and enlightenment. Immersed in hearing the divine instruction of shabad , the consciousness experiences transmutation and is released from the effects of ego and darkness of worldly ego attachment. The soul which becomes spiritually illuminated is capable of achieving liberation and salvation. Having entered the aperture of consciousness, the door of enlightenment known as dasm duar, or the tenth gate, the inherent relationship of the soul and the divine is revealed. Recognition dawns that there is no separation, no self. The soul attains the spiritual realization of becoming one with Waheguru . Pronunciation and Spelling: Words of Gurmukhi origin are spelled phonetically and when transliterated using Roman characters resulting English spellings may vary. Pronunciation: Gur sounds like grr. Duara or dwara sounds like dew - are - awe. Alternate Spellings: gurudwara, guroodwara, gurooduaraa Examples From Scripture: References to gurdwara as the enlightening guru's gateway to consciousness occur throughout the scripture of Guru Granth Sahib.

"Guroo duaarai hoe sojhee paa-e-see || Entering the Guru's Gate, one obtains understanding." SGGS||730 "Gurduaarai laa-e bhaavanee eknaa dasavaa duaar dikhaa-i-aa || Entering the Guru's Gate, one is blessed with loving faith, and the Tenth Door is revealed." SGGS||922 "Guroo duaarai aakh sunaa-ae ||7|| Entering the Guru's Door, utterance is heard." ||7|| SGGS||930 "Gur duaarai har keertan sunee-ai || Entering the Guru's Gate, the Lord's adoring praise is heard." SGGS||1075 Sikh Gurudwara, Gurudwara, Sikh Temple, Guru Granth Sahib Guest Comments Sikh Gurudwara A Gurdwara meaning “the doorway to the Guru”, is the Sikh place of worship and may be referred to as a Sikh temple. People of all religious backgrounds or of no religious faith are welcomed into a Sikh Gurdwara.

However, it is necessary that any visitors remove their shoes and cover their head with a Hankerchief/Scarf/rumal before entering a gurudwara. Visitors are also forbidden to go into the gurdwara while they are inebriated or possess alcohol, cigarettes or any intoxicating substance. Customs and etiquette : Devotees will sit cross-legged on the floor and must never point their feet towards the holy Guru granth Sahib. All those who enter the hall must remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering. On entering the hall, devotees walk slowly and respectfully to the main throne on which the Guru Granth Sahib rests. Devotees then stand before the Holy Scriptures, often say a silent prayer, offer a donation (if able), then bow humbly. These manners and practices, though seemingly ritualistic in modern times are actually a well preserved extension of the ancient Punjabi practice of respect (for elders, ruling or religious persons). On first entering the large prayer room (called the Darbar Sahib), a small bow to the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) shows respect to the ‘Guru’. It is normal to sit cross-legged in a yoga style.

Visitors will be offered Kara Parshad (sweet flour and oil based food offered as prashad) in the worship hall, which is usually given into the cupped hands of a visitor. You may be offered Langar (vegetarian food from the communal kitchen). When in the Langar Hall, it is better to ask for less rather than take too much and waste the food. If you require more later, just wait for the Sewadar to come around, also remember all food in the Langar is vegetarian, so don’t ask for meat! Pursuing salvation : Guru Nanak’s teachings are founded not on a final destination of heaven or hell, but on a spiritual union with God which results in salvation. The chief obstacles to the attainment of salvation are social conflicts and an attachment to worldly pursuits, which commit men and women to an endless cycle of birth — a concept known as reincarnation. Maya—defined as illusion or “unreality”—is one of the core deviations from the pursuit of God and salvation: people are distracted from devotion by worldly attractions which give only illusive satisfaction. However, Nanak emphasised maya as not a reference to the unreality of the world, but of its values.

In Sikhism, the influences of ego, anger, greed, attachment and lust—known as the Five Evils—are believed to be particularly pernicious. The fate of people vulnerable to the Five Evils is separation from God, and the situation may be remedied only after intensive and relentless devotion. Nanak described God’s revelation—the path to salvation—with terms such as nam (the divine Name) andsabad (the divine Word) to emphasise the totality of the revelation. Nanak designated the word guru (meaning teacher) as the voice of God and the source and guide for knowledge and salvation. Salvation can be reached only through rigorous and disciplined devotion to God. Nanak distinctly emphasised the irrelevance of outwardly observations such as rites, pilgrimages or asceticism. He stressed that devotion must take place through the heart, with the spirit and the soul. A key practice to be pursued is nam simran: remembrance of the divine Name. The verbal repetition of the name of God or a sacred syllable is an established practice in religious traditions in India, but Nanak’s interpretation emphasised inward, personal observance.

Nanak’s ideal is the total exposure of one’s being to the divine Name and a total conforming to Dharma or the “Divine Order”. Nanak described the result of the disciplined application of nam simran as a “growing towards and into God” through a gradual process of five stages. The last of these is sac khand (The Realm of Truth)—the final union of the spirit with God. Nanak stressed kirat karo: that a Sikh should balance work, worship, and charity, and should defend the rights of all creatures, and in particular, fellow human beings. They are encouraged to have a chardi kala, or optimistic, view of life. Sikh teachings also stress the concept of sharing—vand chakko—through the distribution of free food at Sikh gurdwaras (langar), giving charitable donations, and working for the betterment of the community and others (seva).

What is the meaning of the word: Sikh, Guru, Gurbani, Shabad What is the meaning of the word: Sikh, Guru, Gurbani, Shabad [Timezone Detection] X What is the meaning of the word: Sikh, Guru, Gurbani, Shabad What is the meaning of the word: Sikh, Guru, Gurbani, Shabad What is the meaning of the words: Sikh, Guru, Gurbani, Shabad, Gurdwara and Langar? Ans: Sikh: A follower of Sikhism; a student. Sikh is a word derived from Sanskrit. Literally translated, the word means disciple or student. In the Sikh faith, the word Sikh means someone who strives to learn about God, is a seeker of God and truth, and someone who follows Gurbani to achieve such goals. Guru: A spiritual leader sent by God. The word Guru is combination of two small words Gu and Ru. Gu means Darkness and Ru means Light. Literally translated, Guru means ï¿½The Light that dispels darknessï¿½. The Guru is a highly spiritual teacher who has been sent to Earth by God to enlighten people.

The Guru is in direct communion with God and it is through the Guru, that Sikhs come to know about God. There are a total of 10 living Sikh Gurus, who brought knowledge of God to the people. The Sikh Gurus provided guidance for about 240 years. They taught the basic values of freedom, brotherhood, charity, obedience, understanding, sympathy, patience, humility, simplicity, piety, and outlined the path to spirituality in life. The eternal Guruship (spiritual and temporal authority) in the Sikh faith lye in the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh Holy Scripture) and the Guru Panth (the commonwealth of Sikhs). It is from the Guru Granth Sahib that Sikhs receive guidance for life. Gurbani: Sikh scripture; ordained by the Guru. Gur means Guru and bani means speech. Therefore Gurbani means the speech of the Gurus. The Sikh Gurus wrote their teachings in the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. This compilation of writing is called Gurbani. Gurbani must be treated with great respect. Shabad: a hymn of the Guru Granth Sahib or other Sikh scriptures.

The word shabad is generally used to denote any single hymn from the Guru Granth Sahib or more abstractly the command of God. Shabads are sung in the Gurdwara and in holy congregations to praise God. Gurdwara: Sikh place of worship; house of God. The Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship. Gurdwara is a compound word created by combining Gur for Guru and Dwara meaning door or house. Thus the word Gurdwara means the door or house of the Guru. The Guru Granth Sahib is always present at a Gurdwara as well as a Nishan Sahib (the Sikh flag - orange in color with the Sikh insignia - the Khanda). Langar: Free community kitchen in every Gurdwara. Langar is a free food service provided in every Gurdwara Sahib. Begun by Guru Angad Dev Ji in the sixteenth century and given the synonym ï¿½pangatï¿½, the traditional practice of langar is two-fold. The food is preparation by members of the sangat (congregation) and then consumed by them and those in need of a good meal.

While eating, the sangat sits together on the ground and enjoys the prepared food. This act, of sitting together on the floor, is representative of pridelessness and an expression of human equality. With the original purpose of the langar being to both, help feed the hungry and eliminate the stigmas placed in peoplesï¿½ minds by the Hindu caste system, (ultimately looking upon all human race as equal), this practice created a new means of viewing society through a universal looking glass. Our Gurdwara | Sikh Gurdwara Our Gurdwara To become a registered member of the Gurdwara please print and return this form . A Gurdwara (sometimes transliterated from Punjabi as Gurudwara), meaning “the doorway to the Guru”, is the Sikh place of worship. People of all religious backgrounds and faith are welcomed into a Sikh Gurdwara. SIKH GURDWARA, in Rochester Hills, is a place of worship registered as an Ecclesiastical Corporation (Church) with the State of Michigan (USA). It holds religious services for followers of the Sikh religion.

The main objectives of our Gurdwara are: Hold weekly congregations Work for the advancement of Sikhs Teach Gurmat (the philosophies of the Sikh Gurus) Arrange Amrit Sanchar (Sikh Baptism Ceremony) Find resolution for all the political and religious differences arising in the Gurdwara Sikh Gurdwara Sikhism, Sikh, Sikh Religion, Khalsa, Gurudwara, Guru Granth, Sikh Guru, Sikh Scriptures, Sikh Baptism, Dasam Granth, Guru Nanak, Guru Gobind Singh Sikhism - the Sikh religion. Sikhism (or Sikh religion), founded on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and nine successive gurus in fifteenth century Northern India, is the fifth-largest religion in the world. This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally the counsel of the gurus) or the Sikh Dharma. Sikhism originated from the word Sikh, which in turn comes from the Sanskrit root sisya meaning "disciple" or "learner", or siksa meaning "instruction." The principal belief of Sikhism is faith in Waheguruï¿½represented using the sacred symbol of ek oankar, the Universal God.

Sikhism advocates the pursuit of salvation through disciplined, personal meditation on the name and message of God. A key distinctive feature of Sikhism is a non-anthropomorphic concept of God, to the extent that one can interpret God as the Universe itself. The followers of Sikhism are ordained to follow the teachings of the ten Sikh gurus, or enlightened leaders, as well as the holy scripture entitled the Guru Granth Sahib, which includes selected works of many philosophers from diverse socio-economic and religious backgrounds. The text was decreed by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru, as the final guru of the Khalsa Panth. Sikhism's traditions and teachings are distinctively associated with the history, society and culture of the Punjab. Adherents of Sikhism are known as Sikhs (students or disciples) and number over 23 million across the world. Most Sikhs live in the state of Punjab in India and, prior to the country's partition, millions of Sikhs lived in what is now the Punjab province of Pakistan. God Sikhism is a monotheistic religion.

In Sikhism, God -termed Waheguru - is formless, eternal, and unobserved: nirankar, akal, and alakh. The beginning of the first composition of Sikh scripture is the figure "1"ï¿½signifying the universality of God. It states that God is omnipresent and infinite, and is signified by the term ek oankar. Sikhs believe that prior to creation, all that existed was God and his hukam (will or order). When God willed, the entire cosmos was created. From these beginnings, God nurtured "enticement and attachment" to maya, or the human perception of reality. While a full understanding of God is beyond human beings, Nanak described God as not wholly unknowable. God is omnipresent (sarav viapak) in all creation and visible everywhere to the spiritually awakened. Nanak stressed that God must be seen from "the inward eye", or the "heart", of a human being: devotees must meditate to progress towards enlightenment. Nanak emphasized the revelation through meditation, as its rigorous application permits the existence of communication between God and human beings.

God has no gender in Sikhism, though translations may incorrectly present a masculine God. In addition, Nanak wrote that there are many worlds on which God has created life. Gurudwara (Sikh Temple) Gurudwara, meaning "the doorway to the Guru", is the Sikh place of worship and may be referred to as a Sikh temple. People of all religious backgrounds or of no religious faith are welcomed into a Sikh Gurudwara. However, it is necessary that any visitors remove their shoes and cover their head with a handkerchief or scarf before entering a gurudwara. Visitors are also forbidden to go into the gurudwara while they are inebriated or possess alcohol, cigarettes or any intoxicating substance. Sikh Gurus The term guru comes from the Sanskrit guru, meaning teacher, guide or mentor. The traditions and philosophy of Sikhism were established by ten specific gurus from 1507 to 1708. Each guru added to and reinforced the message taught by the previous, resulting in the creation of the Sikh religion. Guru Nanak Dev was the first guru and appointed a disciple as successor.

Guru Gobind Singh was the final guru in human form. Before his death, Guru Gobind Singh decreed that the Guru Granth Sahib would be the final and perpetual guru of the Sikhs. Sabb sikkhao ko hukam hai guru manyo granth. English Transliteration : All Sikhs are commanded to take the Granth as Guru. The Sikhs fully believe that the divine spirit of Nanak was passed from one guru to the next, just as the light of one lamp, which lights another and does not diminish, and is also mentioned in their holy book. Sikh Scriptures Sikhs have two primary sources of scriptures: the Guru Granth Sahib and the Dasam Granth. The Guru Granth Sahib may be referred to as the Adi Granthï¿½literally, The First Volumeï¿½and the two terms are often used synonymously. Here, however, the Adi Granth refers to the version of the scripture created by Guru Arjan Dev in 1604. The Guru Granth Sahib refers to the final version of the scripture created by Guru Gobind Singh.

Baptism and the Khalsa Khalsa (meaning pure) is the name given by Guru Gobind Singh to all Sikhs who have been baptised or initiated by taking Amrit in a ceremony called Amrit Sancar. The first time that this ceremony took place was on Vaisakhi, which fell on 30 March 1699 at Anandpur Sahib in India. It was on that occasion that Gobind Singh baptised the Panj Piare who in turn baptised Gobind Singh himself. Baptised Sikhs are bound to wear the Five Ks (in Punjabi known as panj kakke or panj kakar), or articles of faith, at all times. The tenth guru, Gobind Singh, ordered these Five Ks to be worn so that a Sikh could actively use them to make a difference to their own and to others' spirituality. The 5 items are: kes (uncut hair), kangha (small comb), kara (circular heavy metal bracelet), kirpan (ceremonial short sword), and kaccha (special undergarment). The Five Ks have both practical and symbolic purposes.

Philosophy and teachings Sikh religious philosophy has roots in the religious traditions of northern India. The Sant Mat traditions are fundamental to the teachings of Sikhism's founder, Nanak. Especially important to the connection with Sikhism were the teachings of some of the saints such as Ravidas and Kabir. Sikhism is also inspired by the emphasis on devotion to God in the traditions of Vaishnavism, especially through the Bhakti movement, as well as influences of Sufism. However, Nanak's teachings diverge significantly from Vaishnavism in their rejection of idol worship, the doctrine of divine incarnations and a strict emphasis on inward devotion; Sikhism is professed to be a more difficult personal pursuit than Bhakti. The evolution of Nanak's thoughts on the basis of his own experiences and study have also given Sikhism a distinctly unique feature. BBC - Religions - Sikhism: The Gurdwara The Gurdwara This article looks at the Sikh place of worship, the Gurdwara. On this page Gurdwara A Gurdwara is the place where Sikhs come together for congregational worship.

The first Gurdwara in the world was built by Guru Nanak in 1521-2 at Kartarpur. There are about 200 Gurdwaras in Britain. The literal meaning of the Punjabi word Gurdwara is 'the residence of the Guru', or 'the door that leads to the Guru'. In a modern Gurdwara, the Guru is not a person but the book of Sikh scriptures called the Guru Granth Sahib. It is the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib that gives the Gurdwara its religious status, so any building containing the book is a Gurdwara. Although a Gurdwara may be called the residence of the Guru (meaning the residence of God), Sikhs believe that God is present everywhere. Before the time of Guru Arjan Dev , the place of Sikh religious activities was known as a Dharamsala, which means place of faith.

The purpose of a Gurdwara It's a place to learn spiritual wisdom It's a place for religious ceremonies It's a place where children learn the Sikh faith, ethics, customs, traditions and texts A Gurdwara is also a community centre, and offers food, shelter, and companionship to those who need it. Gurdwaras are managed by a committee of their community. Inside the Gurdwara There are no idols, statues, or religious pictures in a Gurdwara, because Sikhs worship only God, and they regard God as having no physical form. Nor are there candles, incense, or bells, or any other ritualistic devices. The focus of attention, and the only object of reverence in the main hall (or Darbar Sahib) is the book of Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which is treated with the respect that would be given to a human Guru. The Guru Granth Sahib is kept in a room of its own during the night and carried in procession to the main hall at the start of the day's worship.

The book is placed on a raised platform (Takht or Manji Sahib, meaning "throne") under a canopy (Chanani or Palki), and covered with an expensive cloth when not being read. During a service a person with a whisk or fan called a Chaur waves it over the Guru Granth Sahib. Although Sikhs show reverence to the Guru Granth Sahib, their reverence is to its spiritual content (shabad) not the book itself. The book is just the visible manifestation of the shabad. The four doors There are four doors into a Gurdwara, known as the Door of Peace, the Door of Livelihood, the Door of Learning and the Door of Grace. These doors are a symbol that people from all four points of the compass are welcome, and that members of all four castes are equally welcome. There's always a light on in a Gurdwara, to show that the Guru's Light is always visible and is accessible to everyone at any time. The free food kitchen, or Langar Every Gurdwara has a Langar attached to it where food is served to anyone without charge. The term Langar is also used for the communal meal served at the Gurdwaras.

The food served in the Langar must be simple, so as to prevent wealthy congregations turning it into a feast that shows off their superiority. Although Sikhs are not required to be vegetarian, only vegetarian food is served in the Gurdwaras. This ensures that any visitor to the Gurdwara, whatever the dietary restrictions of their faith, can eat in the Langar. The meal may include chapati, dal (pulses), vegetables and rice pudding. Fish and eggs are counted as meat and excluded. Flying the flag Gurdwaras fly the Sikh flag outside. The flag is orange/yellow and has the Sikh emblem in the middle. Visiting the Gurdwara Visiting a Gurdwara In India many Sikhs visit a Gurdwara before work. In Britain 39% of Sikhs go once a week, and while Sikhs do not regard any particular day of the week as a holy day, they usually go to a Gurdwara on Sundays as that fits the UK pattern of work. Most Sikhs go to the Gurdwara on Gurpurbs , the festivals honouring the Gurus. Anyone, of any faith, can visit a Gurdwara and will be made welcome.

Before going into a Gurdwara All visitors to the Gurdwara should remove remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the main hall. It is forbidden to smoke or take tobacco on to the premises and visitors cannot enter the Gurdwara while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. On entering a Gurdwara Sikhs will bow to the Guru Granth Sahib as the first thing they do, touching the floor with their forehead. This not only shows their respect but also indicates that they submit themselves to the truths contained in the book. People also place an offering of food or money in front of the Guru Granth Sahib. This is used to run the Gurdwara and the free food kitchen (Langar). The offering is not charity but a sharing of God's gifts. If a person has no money or food to offer they may offer flowers, or just some words of sincere thanks. After bowing to the Guru Granth Sahib a Sikh will greet the congregation in a low, quiet voice with the words: Waheguru ii ka Khalsa, sri Waheguru ji ki fateh. This means The Khalsa owes allegiance to God, sovereignty belongs to God alone.

Non-Sikh visitors should also bow and make an offering. Seating in a Gurdwara Everyone sits on the floor in a Gurdwara. This is to be humble before the Guru Granth Sahib and because it gives everyone a place of equal status to sit. Most people sit cross-legged. Cushions and seats are not allowed. No-one should sit with their feet pointing at the Guru Granth Sahib. Anyone who walks round the Guru Granth Sahib or the Gurdwara must do so in a clockwise direction. Men and women generally sit on separate sides of the hall. Sacred food in the Gurdwara Towards the end of a service karah prasad, a sweet vegetarian food that has been blessed, will be served. This should be taken and received in cupped hands as a gift of God. A typical service A Gurdwara service Sikhs do not have ordained priests and any Sikh can lead the prayers and recite the scriptures to the congregation. Each Gurdwara has a Granthi who organises the daily services and reads from the Guru Granth Sahib. A Granthi is not a priest but is the reader/custodian of the Adi Granth.

A Granthi must be fluent in reading Gurmukhi and must be properly trained in all aspects of looking after the Guru Granth Sahib. They are expected to be an initiated member of the Sikh Khalsa who lives a life that exemplifies the ideals of the Khalsa. Sikhs don't have a general official liturgy that must be used in a Gurdwara, although there are rules for particular ceremonies. Kirtan The morning service begins with the singing of Asa Di Var, a hymn written by Guru Nanak , founder of Sikhism. Other hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib are then sung, accompanied by instruments. This hymn-singing is called Kirtan and is an essential part of Sikh worship. Sermon A sermon or talk, usually based on a theme from Sikh history, comes next. This is followed by the singing of Anand Sahib, a hymn written by Guru Amar Das, the Third Guru. Ardas The congregation then stands with eyes closed facing the Guru Granth Sahib for prayer (Ardas). During the prayer the word Waheguru (Punjabi for 'praise to the Guru') is often repeated.

Hukam After the prayer, the Guru Granth Sahib is opened at a random page and the hymn found at the top of the left-hand page (Vak or Hukam) is read. The text is considered to be a relevant lesson for the day. The ceremonial food After the service, food is offered to the congregation. This consists of Parshad and a more substantial meal in the Langar. Parshad is a sweet made from equal quantities of wheat flour, sugar, and clarified butter. The first five portions are given to Khalsa members in memory of the Panj Pyares (the first five members of the Khalsa). After that parshad is served to everyone without distinctions of rank or caste. Sikhism Private Worship Sikhs can pray at any time and any place. Sikh aims to get up early, bathe, and then start the day by meditating on God.

The Sikh code of conduct lays down a stern discipline for the start of the day: "A Sikh should wake up in the ambrosial hours (three hours before the dawn), take a bath and, concentrating his/her thoughts on One Immortal Being, repeat the name Waheguru (Wondrous Destroyer of darkness)." Public Worship Although Sikhs can worship on their own they see congregational worship as having its own special merits. Sikhs believe that God is visible in the Sikh congregation or Sangat, and that God is pleased by the act of serving the Sangat. Congregational Sikh worship takes place in a Gurdwara. Sikh public worship can be led by any Sikh, male or female, who is competent to do so. The Gurdwara A Gurdwara is the place where Sikhs come together for congregational worship. The first Gurdwara in the world (it was called a "dharamsala" in those days) was built by Guru Nanak in 1521-2 at Kartarpur. The literal meaning of the Punjabi word Gurdwara is the residence of the Guru, or the door that leads to the Guru.

Although a Gurdwara may be called the residence of the Guru (meaning the residence of God), Sikhs believe that God is present everywhere * The Purpose of a Gurdwara It's a place to learn spiritual wisdom It's a place for religious ceremonies It's a place where children learn the Sikh faith, ethics, customs, traditions and texts A Gurdwara is also a community centre, and offers food, shelter, and companionship to those who need it. -- No Priests in the Gurdwara Sikhs do not have ordained priests, and any Sikh can lead the prayers, and recite the scriptures to the congregation. Each Gurdwara has a Granthi who organises the daily services and reads from the Guru Granth Sahib. A Granthi is not a priest but is the reader/custodian of the Adi Granth. A Granthi must be fluent in reading Gurmukhi, and be properly trained in all aspects of looking after the Guru Granth Sahib Sikhism Religion of the Sikh People Home > Way of Life > Gurdwaras What is a Gurdwara?

During the times of the early Gurus, Sikh places of worship were referred to as dharamsalas. They were a place where Sikhs could gather to hear the Guru speak or sing hymns. As the Sikh population continued to grow Guru Hargobind introduced the word Gurdwara, meaning the gateway through which the Guru could be reached. Thereafter all Sikh places of worship came to be known as Gurdwaras. Any place where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed and treated with due respect can be referred to as a Gurdwara, whether it is a room in ones house of a separate building. Three main functions are carried out in all public Gurdwaras. One is Kirtan which is the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib, another is Katha which is reading of the Guru Granth Sahib and explanations. The third main function which is carried out at every Gurdwara is the Langar, free community kitchen for all visitors of all religions.

Along with these main functions Gurdwaras around the world also serve the Sikh community in many other ways including, libraries of Sikh literature, schools to teach children Gurmukhi and the Sikh scriptures and charitable work in the community on behalf of Sikhs. Gurdwara Protocols When entering the Gurdwara one is expected to remove the shoes and cover ones bare head as signs of respect towards the sovereignty of the Guru Granth Sahib. Hands are washed and in some Gurdwaras there are also feet washes. Approaching the Guru Granth Sahib one is expected to bow down and touch the floor as a sign of further respect towards the Eternal Sikh Guru. Offerings of cash are usually made at this time to help carry the expenses of running the Gurdwara and community work carried out by the Gurdwara. These offerings are voluntary and not compulsory. All people irrespective of their status sit on the floor as a sign of equality as opposed to chairs and the Guru Granth Sahib is always installed on a higher level. One may enter or leave the congregation at any time. Men and women do not generally sit together but on separate sides of the room, both at an equal distance from the Guru Granth Sahib.

All people are expected to stand facing the Guru Granth Sahib when the Ardas (common prayer) is read out. Gurdwaras are open to all people of all religions and are generally open 24 hours a day. Some Gurdwaras also provide temporary accommodations for visitors or pilgrims. In the Langar all sit on the floor and food is cooked and served by volunteers, this food is available at all times. Only vegetarian food is served so that no person may be offended and all people of all religions can sit together to share a common meal irrespective of any dietary restrictions.

Question: What word meaning doorway in Punjabi is the name of a Sikh place of worship?
Answer: Gurdwara